My intent was to study more about the history surrounding Section 46; specifically, I wanted to know why it had become custom during that time to admit only members or earnest investigators to sacrament meeting and how the Saints felt as a result of the changes enacted by this revelation. However, as I began to research I found very little information beyond what is documented in Section 46. I did find some principles and counsel I wanted to know more about, though, and refocused for this assignment.
I am going to share what I found in connection with Section 46 – what preceded this revelation as well as some teachings in connection to it.
As we know, there was a lot of persecution in the early days of the Church. Sure there were people who reviled against the Church, those who sought to tear it down…but ultimately it was the work of Satan who was striving to keep this work from moving forward, working through these people. Each member, then, had to discern for themselves the Spirit of God and that of Satan. Each member had to seek the help of the Savior so that they might know how to follow Him and not be taken off-course by the Adversary.
Joseph Smith said this of the matter: “A man must have the discerning of spirits before he can drag into daylight this hellish influence and unfold it unto the world in all its soul-destroying, diabolical, and horrid colors; for nothing is a greater injury to the children of men than to be under the influence of a false spirit when they think they have the Spirit of God. Thousands have felt the influence of its terrible power and baneful effects. Long pilgrimages have been undertaken, penances endured, and pain, misery and ruin have followed in their train; nations have been convulsed, kingdoms overthrown, provinces laid waste, and blood, carnage and desolation are habiliaments in which it has been clothed.” ( History of the Church, 4:573.)
A powerful statement. “Nothing is a greater injury to the children of men than to be under the influence of a false spirit when they think they have the Spirit of God.” People, at their core, are good. Most have a belief in the need to be kind to others, to give service and love to those around them, and whether or not they believe in Jesus Christ, they are striving to live good lives. It is not the intention of many who walk this earth to be evil and to destroy the peace and faith of others. So Satan has to cloak his plans and tactics in something that most closely resembles the Spirit of God. He is incredibly sneaky and skilled in his efforts to deceive. Those early Church members who apostatized would not have done so if they felt that they were being lead by Satan. The same is true today. In fact, I dare say that it likely becomes more difficult to discern as time moves forward because Satan has had more time to perfect his deception.
How, then, do we discern? How do we know by whom we are being lead? The answers are found in Section 46 where we are told the Gifts of the Spirit. It is through the Spirit that truth will be revealed. I love this section and encourage you to read it, to really ponder on it. If you don’t already know, ask what Gift of the Spirit you have been given. If there is a gift that we desire to obtain, we are encouraged to pray and work for it. I think it is poignant that we are each given at least one gift, but that there are others surrounding us who have the gifts we are lacking. We must share our gifts, as well as rely on the gifts of others, to make it through this life and to not be deceived by the powers of Satan.
I know that as we stay close to our Father in Heaven and as we make use of the Atonement in our lives, that we can be given the power to discern God from Satan. I know that we must rely on the wisdom and faith of others at times until we can obtain that knowledge for ourselves. I am grateful for the power of God, which will always overpowers that of Satan.
Please share your thoughts on this subject. I would love any additional insights you might have!
No comments:
Post a Comment